The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a consent order requiring the City of Albany, New York, to begin the systematic replacement of lead service lines following the detection of elevated lead levels in the city’s drinking water. The effort will involve coordination with the New York State Department of Health and will impact the water infrastructure serving approximately 98,000 residents.
Under the agreement, the City of Albany must continue monitoring its water system and replace at least 7 percent of lead service lines annually until the levels of lead in drinking water are reduced to acceptable thresholds. The EPA and state agencies will work with the city to develop a comprehensive compliance plan, which will include measures to improve public awareness and upgrade system reliability.
The action follows routine water sampling that identified lead concentrations above federal action levels. The EPA will provide technical support and oversight throughout the project. No timeline for full completion has been announced.